Even if a package arrives in a timely fashion, there is often a long delay until the package is processed, and notification is sent out to the intended receiver.

Leaders or local staff can pick up letters for the whole group in one trip. But often, packages can only be picked up by the person to whom they are addressed. A student would have to make a special trip to a main post office, find their way to the appropriate office, and present satisfactory identity documents.

Students must often pay customs duties well in excess of the value of the package.